You could look more into a Lease Purchase or Land Contract instead where you are doing a seller carry scenario of sorts, then you could re-rent the property and ultimately re-sell the property. 

I could just leave them, as current landlord has done, but personally would rather be proactive on that kind of thing.We requested seller pays for roof/guttering, they countered with half.

It appears to be on a reservation because the Bureau of Indian Affairs is involved, @John D. and it also appears that that it may be a contract for deed (land contract, installment sale contract) where the seller received full payment over time, but never transferred the ownership to the buyer even though it was fully paid by the end of the contract. 

Seeing the smile on someones face after they receive a gift or something of value is absolutely priceless.Earlier this year, I was fortunate to receive a property from a distressed seller from out state for ZERO dollars.That is correct.

This is why I said it's best to ask the seller for original purchase price, rehab info, comps and appraisals to see how close to market you are buying (and do your own independent research too!).

Would seller financing be a better strategy here?

HI Chelsea,  I don't work in the Scottsdale market, but I do know that the market right now is a sellers market and 'great' deals are harder to find, but as always they are out there.  

What you expected is irrelevant, the only thing that matters is what your purchase contract states.Normally you would demand a prorated rent, no deductions, as well as any and all deposits the tenants have paid.

Hey Joe,I looking for a lender that will do a 12 month loan on the following:List Price $150,000.00Purchase price $115,000Rehab cost $50.000 Total Loan amount $145,000 plus to be able to roll in interest and closing cost or seller help with closing.looking at loan for $165,000 LTV a little over 65% ARV $250,000 sold comps this year 250,000LTV $162,500 at 65%but i need the money down to be as low as possible.their terms are good but the money down is a bit high.Thanks

Just a seller perspective.GOOD LUCK